Apple is releasing the first macOS Sierra public beta today for anyone wanting to test drive Siri on the Mac or any of the other new features included. Previously, macOS 10.12 has only been available to registered developers with access to a paid account; the public beta program is a free alternative that allows non-developers to test Apple’s latest software updates before their general release.macOS Sierra public beta 1 follows just days after the release of the second developer preview of macOS 10.12 which included the Auto Unlock feature that works with Apple Watch. Both macOS Sierra and iOS 10 public betas should be available shortly.

Aside from Siri, macOS Sierra enhances the Photos app with new object recognition and search features, a new slideshow tool called Memories, the return of the Places view and more. Later this fall, Apple Pay will also be available on the Mac through Safari. Universal Clipboard will allow you to sync what you copy and paste between Macs, iPhones, and iPads, and iCloud Drive gains Desktop and Documents folder syncing. Other changes include picture-in-picture support for video, new Optimize Storage options for saving hard drive space, and enhancements to Messages.

Seamless integration with iCloud makes everything from your Desktop and Documents folder available on your iPhone and iPad so you always have access to the files you need. Universal Clipboard allows you to copy content, including text, images, photos and video from one Apple device and paste it in another. Apple Pay comes to the Mac in Sierra so it is even easier to shop securely and privately online. And Photos now helps you rediscover your meaningful memories, organize your library and perfect shots like a pro.

System requirements:MacBook – Late 2009 and lateriMac – Late 2009 and laterMacBook Air – 2010 and laterMacBook Pro -2010 and laterMac Mini – 2010 and laterMac Pro – 2010 and later